Upper-limb training apparatus

ABSTRACT

An upper-limb training apparatus allows a user&#39;s two upper limbs to independently and actively perform flexion and extension along a round track, so that the user&#39;s the two upper limbs can receive proper training, respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to physical training equipments, and moreparticularly, to a training apparatus for strengthening human upper-limbmuscle strength and motion coordination.

2. Description of Related Art

A conventional upper-limb training apparatus is schematically depictedin FIG. 1. In the training apparatus, a crank 1 has its middle portionsettled in a base 2 and is allowed to rotate in either direction. Eachof two ends of the crank 1 is attached thereto a handle 3 that rotatablearound the corresponding end of the crank 1. A resistance module 4provides an adjustable resistance to rotation movement of the crank 1.

To use the apparatus, a user holds the handles with his/her two handsand exerts a force to rotate the crank 1 so that his/her upper limbsperform alternate flexion and extension following the moving trace ofthe crank 1.

Due to the limited moving mode of the crank 1, when a user exerciseswith the conventional apparatus, his/her upper limbs are not exercisingindependently but subject to a mutually driven mechanism. If the user'stwo upper limbs are unequal in motion capability, the stronger limb maycontinuously, actively drive the crank 1 while the weaker limb can donoting but be driven by the crank 1. In such case, both the limbs arenot properly trained. Besides, though the resistance module 4 providesthe adjustable resistance to the crank 1, it fails to provide differentscales of resistance to two upper limbs unequal in motion capability atthe same time, thus failing to satisfy the respect needs of the twoupper limbs, resulting in inferior training efficiency.

In addition to the above problem, another reason for inferior trainingefficiency of the traditional training apparatus is its machine-like anddull operation. The immutable reciprocal movement between two upperlimbs can soon bore a user, and even make the training course anantipathy to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primarily objective of the present invention is to provide anupper-limb training apparatus that allows a user's two upper limbs toindependently and actively perform flexion and extension along a roundtrack, so as to free the two upper limbs from the aforesaid mutuallydriven mechanism in training.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an upper-limbtraining apparatus that allows a user's two upper limbs to receivedifferent degrees of muscle strength training according to the respectneeds thereof.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an upper-limbtraining apparatus that connects to an interactive software program oran evaluation software program so as to train and assess motioncoordination between a user's two upper limbs.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an upper-limbtraining apparatus that connects to an interactive software program soas to add an entertaining effect in training course.

An upper-limb training apparatus comprise:

a first resistance device and a second resistance device, controllingmotion resistance of a first operation module and a second operationmodule that are to be operated by a user's two upper limbs,respectively, and a resistance control system allowing the user to setresistance loads provided by the first resistance device and the secondresistance device to the first operation module and the second operationmodules, respectively.

Besides, a first sensor and a second sensor are provided in theupper-limb training apparatus to detect rotational directions,rotational angles and rotational speeds of the first operation moduleand the second operation modules, respectively, and to transmit relatedsignals to an interactive software program. The interactive softwareprogram presents a dynamic scene controlled thereby in a display andmoves a subject in the dynamic scene according to the signal it receivesfrom the first sensor and the second sensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives andadvantages thereof will be best understood by reference to the followingdetailed description of the illustrative embodiment when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing showing a conventional upper-limb trainingapparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upper-limb apparatus according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the upper-limb apparatus accordingto the present invention showing the inner structure thereof;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a first operation module, wherein a handlemember thereof is a horizontal handle; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating systemic configuration of thetraining apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While a preferred embodiment is provided herein for illustrating theconcept of the present invention as described above, it is to beunderstood that the components in these drawings are made for betterexplanation and need not to be made in scale. Moreover, in the followingdescription, resemble components are indicated by the same numerals.

FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 cooperatively describe an upper-limb training apparatusof the present invention, wherein components and structure of theupper-limb training apparatus will be given in detailed below accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

A main body 11 has a base 10 that stably position the main body 11 on asubstantial surface.

A first operation module 21 and a second operation module 22 areassembled at two sides of the main body 11. The first operation module21 and the second operation module 22 are to be separately operated by auser's right and left upper limbs.

A display 14 is such settled that a user of the training apparatus caneasily watch contents it displays. In the present embodiment, thedisplay 14 is arranged on a support 13 that extends upward from the mainbody 11.

A first resistance device 31 and a second resistance device 32 arepositioned inside the main body 11 by a frame 15. The first operationmodule 21 and the second operation module 22 are linked to the firstresistance device 31 and the second resistance device 32 by shafts 41,respectively, and allowed to rotate in either direction. The firstresistance device 31 and the second resistance device 32 providerotational resistance loads to the shafts 41 so that the first operationmodule 21 and the second operation module 22 bear respective rotationalresistance independently.

A resistance control system 50 mainly comprises a first resistanceadjusting unit 51, a second resistance adjusting unit 52, a firstresistance setting unit 53 and a second resistance adjusting unit 54.The first resistance adjusting unit 51 is coupled to the firstresistance device 31. The first resistance adjusting unit 51 receives aresistance information input from the first resistance setting unit 53and adjusts the rotational resistance load the first resistance device31 applies to the first operation module 21 according to the receivedresistance information. The second resistance adjusting unit 52 iscoupled to the second resistance device 32. The second resistanceadjusting unit 52 receives a resistance information input from thesecond resistance setting unit 54 and adjusts the rotational resistanceload the second resistance device 32 applies to the second operationmodule 22 according to the received resistance information. The firstand second resistance setting units 53, 54 may be realized by any knowninput device. In one aspect of the present invention, the first andsecond resistance setting units 53, 54 are first and second adjustingelements 531, 532 settled on the main body 11. Thus, a user can operatethe first and second adjusting elements 531, 532 to input desiredresistance information so as to make the operation resistance of thefirst operation module 21 and the second operation module 22 changed. Inanother aspect of the present invention, the first and second resistancesetting units 53, 54 are presented in the display 14 having a touchscreen. Resistance setting is exhibited in the display 14 in aprogrammable manner so that a user can input his/her desired resistancevalues through the touch screen to change the operation resistance ofthe first operation module 21 and the second operation module 22. Instill another aspect of the present invention, a remote control isimplemented to input the resistance information.

An interactive control system 60 primarily comprises a first sensor 33,a second sensor 34 and an interactive software program 55. The firstsensor 33 and the second sensor 34 detect rotational directions,rotational angles and rotational speeds of the first operation module 21and the second operation modules 22, respectively. Then the first sensor33 and the second sensor 34 convert sensing results into specificsignals and transmit the signals to the interactive software program 55.The interactive software program 55 presents a dynamic scene controlledthereby in the display 14. In addition, the interactive software program55 receives the signals from the first sensor 33 and the second sensor34 and uses the signals as moving parameters to move a subject in thedynamic scene. In the present embodiment, the first sensor 33 and thesecond sensor 34 are arranged at two sides of the frame 15, whilesensing components thereof are set on the shafts 41 of the firstoperation module 21 and the second operation modules 22, respectively.

The first operation module 21 and the second operation modules 22 of thedisclosed training apparatus provide round moving tracks so as to allowa user to perform flexion and extension with his/her two upper limbs.Since the first operation module 21 and the second operation modules 22are two independent components, the user's two upper limbs moveindependently but not in a mutually driven relation. Moreover, the firstoperation module 21 and the second operation modules 22 have theirresistance loads controlled by the first resistance device 31 and secondresistance device 32, respectively. Thereby, the user's can trainhis/her upper limbs with their respectively proper resistance loads, soas to strength his/her shoulder joints, elbow joints, wrist joints,upper-limb muscle groups and chest-and-back muscle groups.

The interactive control system 60 enables a user to operate the firstoperation module 21 and the second operation modules 22 according to thecircumstances provided in the dynamic scene. An example will bedescribed below.

When the first operation module 21 and the second operation modules 22rotate forward simultaneously, the subject in the dynamic scene in thedisplay 14 moves forward.

When the first operation module 21 and the second operation modules 22rotated backward simultaneously, the subject in the dynamic scene in thedisplay 14 moves backward.

When the first operation module 21 and the second operation modules 22rotated forward simultaneously, while the first operation module 21 runsfaster than the second operation modules 22, the subject in the dynamicscene in the display 14 moves rightward. Otherwise, the subject in thedynamic scene in the display 14 moves leftward.

When the second operation modules 22 stays still and the first operationmodule 21 rotates forward, the subject makes a stop turn to left.Otherwise, the subject makes a stop turn to right.

Basing on the above basic operation modes, in cooperation with programcontrol, other movements of the subject, such as stopping, jumping,rolling, etc., would be possible.

The interactive control system 60 enables interactive operation of thedisclosed training apparatus, so as to add an entertaining effect intraining, and, more important, train a user's hand-brain connection andupper-limb motion coordination. By using the resistance control system50 to set the resistance of the first operation module 21 and the secondoperation modules 22 and then operating the interactive control system60, a user can receive triple training courses including musclestrength, hand-brain connection and upper-limb motion coordination atthe same time. Alternative, when the first operation module 21 and thesecond operation modules 22 with the resistance thereof set as zero, auser can use the interactive control system 60 to train hand-brainconnection and upper-limb motion coordination.

An evaluation software program 56 may be implemented in the interactivecontrol system 60 for evaluating a user's moving capability. The firstsensor 33 and the second sensor 34 detect rotational directions,rotational angles and rotational speeds of the first operation module 21and the second operation modules 22, respectively. Then the first sensor33 and the second sensor 34 convert sensing results into specificsignals and transmit the signals to the evaluation software program 56.The evaluation software program 56 serves to take the signals receivedin a certain period as materials for evaluation and determination andpresent results of the evaluation and determination in the display 14 inthe form that the user or a professional would understand.

While FIG. 4 only illustrates the first operation module 21, it is to beunderstood that the second operation modules 22 shares the identicalconfiguration with first operation module 21 and needs not to berepeatedly illustrated.

The first operation module 21 comprises the shaft 41 that has a firstend and a second end opposite at an axis thereof. The first end of theshaft 41 pierces into the first resistance device 31.

A joint element 42 is fixed to the second end of the shaft 41.

A shank 43 is coupled to the joint element 42 and positionedperpendicular to the shaft 41. The joint element 42 has a plurality ofholes 431 in additional to a radially extending through hole 421 thatallows the shank 43 to pass therethrough. A positioning element 44 isdetachably settled on a positioning hole 422 formed on the joint element42. The positioning element 44 has a positioning pin 411 at an endthereof. The positioning pin 411 is inserted into one said hole 431 tofix the shank 43. The holes 431 located differently enable a changeabledistance between a handle end 432 of the shank 43 and the joint element42, so as to make a force arm and the round moving track of the firstoperation module 21 adjustable.

A handle 46 is affixed to the handle end 432 of the shank 43, allowing auser to hold and exert a force to operate the training apparatus. Thehandle 46 may be of any type, as long as it is easy to hold by a user.For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the handle 46 is a horizontal handle47. A rotation element 45 is pivotally connected to the handle end 432of the shank 43 and the horizontal handle 47 is mounted around therotation element 45 so that a user can hold the horizontal handle 47 tooperate the training apparatus horizontally.

The present invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiment and it is understood that the embodiment is not intended tolimit the scope of the present invention. Moreover, as the contentsdisclosed herein should be readily understood and can be implemented bya person skilled in the art, all equivalent changes or modificationswhich do not depart from the concept of the present invention should beencompassed by the appended claims.

1. An upper-limb apparatus, comprising: a) a first operation module anda second operation module settled at two sides of a main body of theupper-limb training apparatus; b) a first resistance device and a secondresistance device settled in the main body, each of the first operationmodule and the second operation module being linked to the firstresistance device and the second resistance device by a shaft,respectively, and being allowed to rotate in either direction, the firstresistance device and the second resistance device providing rotationalresistance loads to the shafts so that each of the first operationmodule and the second operation module bears respective rotationalresistance independently, each of the first resistance device and thesecond resistance device being self-contained and free of external bandsso as to be readily interchangeable and readily replaceable; c) aresistance control system comprising a first resistance adjusting unit,a second resistance adjusting unit, a first resistance setting unit, anda second resistance setting unit, wherein the first resistance adjustingunit is coupled to the first resistance device and receives a resistanceinformation input from the first resistance setting unit so as to adjustthe rotational resistance load that the first resistance device appliesto the first operation module according to the received resistanceinformation, and the second resistance adjusting unit is coupled to thesecond resistance device and receives a resistance information inputfrom the second resistance setting unit so as to adjust the rotationalresistance load that the second resistance device applies to the secondoperation module according to the received resistance information; andd) a display being such settled that a user of the training apparatuscan easily watch contents displayed in the display.
 2. The upper-limbtraining apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an interactive controlsystem that primarily comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, and aninteractive software program, the first and the second sensor detectingrotational directions, rotational angles, and rotational speeds of thefirst operation module and the second operation module, respectively,converting sensing results into specific signals, and transmitting thesignals to the interactive software program, the interactive softwareprogram then presenting a dynamic scene controlled thereby in thedisplay.
 3. The upper-limb training apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising an interactive control system that primarily comprises afirst sensor, a second sensor, and an evaluation software program, thefirst sensor and the second sensor detecting rotational directions,rotational angles, and rotational speeds of the first operation moduleand the second operation module, respectively, converting sensingresults into specific signals, and transmitting the signals to theevaluation software program, the evaluation software program thenpresenting evaluation results to the display.
 4. The upper-limb trainingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first resistance setting unit and thesecond resistance setting unit are a first adjusting element and asecond adjusting element settled on the main body.
 5. The upper-limbtraining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first resistance setting unitand the second resistance setting unit are presented in the display, andthe display has a touch screen.
 6. The upper-limb training apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein each of the first operation module and the secondoperation module generates a respective round moving track defined by arotational movement thereof.
 7. The upper-limb training apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein each said shaft has a first end and a second endpositioned opposite at an axis thereof, in which the first end piercesinto the first resistance device or the second resistance device, andthe second end is assembled perpendicular to a corresponding shank, eachsaid shank having affixed thereto a handle.
 8. The upper-limb trainingapparatus of claim 7, wherein a joint element fixedly attached to thesecond end of each said shaft has a radially extending through hole thatreceives one end of the shank, and a positioning element detachablycoupled to the joint element to fix the shank with respect to the jointelement.
 9. The upper-limb training apparatus of claim 8, wherein theshank has a plurality of holes aligned as a line, and the positioningelement has a positioning pin so that when the positioning pin isinserted into one said hole, the shank is fixed to the joint element.10. The upper-limb training apparatus of claim 7, wherein the handle isa horizontal handle so as to allow a user to hold it horizontally andactively operate the first operation module and the second operationmodule.
 11. The upper-limb training apparatus of claim 10, wherein arotation element is pivotally connected to an opposite end of the shank,and the horizontal handle is mounted around the rotation element.